Today, just about every type of business implements barcode technology in some way. And the growth of barcode use brings the growth in demand of the barcode printer. A barcode’s overall scan-ability depends on its print quality. There are four different types of barcode printers: Dot Matrix, Inkjet, Laser, and Thermal. Thermal barcode printers are by far the most efficient of the group, and are the most widely used type of barcode printers on the market today.
If you are in the market for a new thermal barcode printer, it is important to know that there are two different types of thermal printing methods. These are direct thermal printing and thermal transfer printing. A direct thermal printer creates images directly onto treated labels or tags. These printers do not need ink, toner, or ribbon and are therefore a pretty inexpensive option. Thermal transfer printers use a ribbon and a print head to produce accurate, high-quality barcode images. These printers use heat to transfer ink from the ribbon to the label or tag to form images.
One of the most innovative yet affordable thermal printers available today is the Datamax line of printers. Datamax manufactures barcode printers and RFID labeling printers of high quality and with reasonable prices.
Features of Most Datamax Printers
Most Datamax printers offer the same great features. These include color-coded component cues to help with operating the printer, intuitive printer operations with easy to use components, and a clear character LCD display with simple, workable options. Datamax printers are built with a die-cast aluminum frame, making them incredibly durable. These printers also feature flash memory which offers quick updates.
Some of the best-selling printers offered by Datamax are the M-class Mark II thermal barcode printers and the I-class barcode printers.
M-class Printers
These barcode printers are compact. However, despite their small size, they offer an industrial-strength build. This series of printers offer a nice blend of power and performance, and work really well in high-demand commercial settings.
I-class Printers
The I-class barcode printers offer some of the most affordable barcode printers on the market today. Not only are these printers easy on the budget, they are easy to operate as well, featuring easy to get to accessories that can be removed and installed with little hassle. These barcode printers are ideal for large corporations, are scalable for different needs, and offer varying resolutions and print speeds.
While Datamax barcode printers are reasonably priced, they still may be out of the budget for some companies. If this is the case, you can always consider purchasing a refurbished Datamax barcode printer. Because a refurbished printer is technically used, it is generally about half the price of a new printer. And, because these printers have been used before, they undergo a bunch of diagnostic tests to make sure every component is in working condition before they are resold. Skilled technicians also remove and replace any part of the printer that needs to be replaced, and offer a warranty for parts that are near end of life. Put simply, a refurbished printer will perform just like new but will save your company hundreds of dollars.